I am about to take my first cruise (to Alaska) this summer on the Westerdam.

I plan to single-handedly make Gluttony the #1 sin of humanity for years to come.

I am just kidding-a little.

My question is: can you eat as often as you wish or are you limited? I know the food is free except some specialty restaurants.

For example, can I have room service breakfast at 7:00 and then go have an omelet at 9:00? Or will they know "you sir have already had breakfast, please leave"?

Again for lunch, again for dinner (can you have dinner in the MDH and then hit the buffet 2 hours later?).

I say, if it is truly all you can eat whenever you want I will need to abandon ship in order to keep from collapsing on the deck!

Thanks!

storybookcruises.com

May 1st, 2013 08:57 PM

I'm surprised your agent wasn't able to answer all of your questions about food.

But to answer them, yes, you can eat whatever, whenever, as much, and as often as you want for free! (Obviously, with the exception of the specialty restaurants.)

If you want to order room service at 7:00am (which is free, except I would provide a gratuity to the server) and then go to the buffet to eat more, you go right ahead - it's your cruise! Same thing for dinner - eat till you can't eat anymore.

And the one good thing about HAL, their food is very good, so if food is a major part of your cruise, you will have a great time!

Have fun!

Pete

Elahrairah

May 2nd, 2013 12:40 PM

Thanks for the quick reply!

It's what I figured, but I have never cruised so wasn't sure.

Didn't even think to ask the agent! I guess I figured they are only good for tickets.

Lakers Fan

May 2nd, 2013 02:08 PM

Gluttony is never a sin :)

Manuel

May 2nd, 2013 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elahrairah
(Post 1472025)

Didn't even think to ask the agent! I guess I figured they are only good for tickets.

The agents are good for all kinds of info and they can be very helpful in any travel related matter.

TM

poppadock

May 5th, 2013 06:42 PM

poppadock age 101

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakers Fan
(Post 1472037)

Gluttony is never a sin :)

Gluttony, may not be a sin... but it has a way of catching up on U at some point & time. :(

storybookcruises.com

May 6th, 2013 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elahrairah
(Post 1472025)

Thanks for the quick reply!

It's what I figured, but I have never cruised so wasn't sure.

Didn't even think to ask the agent! I guess I figured they are only good for tickets.

You don't ever want to book directly with the cruise line because if you have any problems, who do you think they represent? That's when an agent can be worth their weight in gold because they have contact information you don't have and often more clout.

Plus, an agent will get you the same price as the cruise and often even better prices. They charge nothing for their services, so it makes sense to utilize their expertise, knowledge, and experiences - it'll definitely make your planning less stressful and make your trip more enjoyable.

Find yourself a reputable agent, preferably a Cruise Specialist, and let them do all the work for you.

Pete

Elahrairah

May 8th, 2013 06:02 PM

My agent is Costco. They have a deal that basically covers the "service charge" per day plus just a little more.

I asked if there were kid friendly movies in the theater and the operator told me to contact the cruise line....

For for a deal, Costco rocks, and I am confident if there is an issue, Costco will be on our side (kind of like American Express in that regard), however, you do not have a real expert travel agent to help with questions about the ports, excursions, food, etc.